Sezen Aksu opposes the legislative proposal to euthanize stray animals: 'Why is the first thought to destroy?'

Acting upon the request of President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, AKP officials have initiated work on a legislative proposal that envisions the euthanasia of stray dogs on the grounds that they pose a 'life-threatening danger'.

This legislative proposal has drawn the reaction of animal lovers.

Sezen Aksu wrote the following letter regarding the issue:

"The story of Sivriada in our history stings my conscience and my heart... I heard the voices of 80 thousand dogs as I read about them being rounded up and taken to Sivriada—sometimes because they attacked a tourist, sometimes because their numbers had increased—and being left to hunger and death despite the efforts of good people who have always existed.

We refer to that place by its well-deserved name, 'Hayırsız Ada' (The Unlucky/Unfortunate Island). Even though it is written that they died of hunger, I am certain that their screams, which I am sure they attributed to disloyalty, are recorded somewhere in the sky above us all. The root of this misfortune is held by mankind; the island itself is innocent. We do not even have the face to seek forgiveness for more than a century of time... Why is the first thought that comes to mind when seeking a solution in my beloved country to destroy...

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Justice and Development Party (AKP) is preparing to amend the Animal Protection Law for a new regulation regarding stray animals.

Acting upon the request of President Erdoğan, AKP officials have initiated work on a legislative proposal that envisions the "euthanasia" of stray dogs on the grounds that they pose a "life-threatening danger".

The proposal is planned to be submitted to Parliament in the coming days.

The Animal Protection Law, which introduced a digital identification system by microchipping pets such as cats and dogs and provided sanctions for those who abandon their pets, came into effect in July 2021.